CISO Guidance

1) Is this information credible?

• The information is credible, reported by reputable sources such as the BBC, and confirmed by Asahi Breweries.

2) How could this be relevant to my org’s assets, vendors, or processes?

• Organizations in the beverage and manufacturing sectors should be aware of similar vulnerabilities in their supply chains and operational technology systems.
• Businesses relying on Asahi products may experience supply chain disruptions, impacting operations and revenue.

3) What’s the actual technical risk?

• The attack appears to be ransomware-related, disrupting operations and potentially leading to data breaches if sensitive information is leaked.
• Operational disruptions due to manual processing could lead to inefficiencies and financial losses.

4) What do we need to do to defend/detect/respond?

• Review and strengthen cybersecurity measures, particularly around ransomware defense, including regular backups and incident response planning.
• Ensure all systems are updated and patched to mitigate vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
• Conduct regular training and awareness programs for employees to recognize and respond to phishing and other cyber threats.

5) What’s the potential business/regulatory exposure?

• Potential regulatory scrutiny and fines if data protection laws are violated due to data breaches.
• Reputational damage and loss of customer trust, potentially affecting market share and revenue.

6) Does it reveal a bigger trend?

• This incident highlights the increasing frequency and impact of ransomware attacks on critical industries, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks.
• It underscores challenges in Japan related to legacy systems and digital literacy, which may be applicable to other regions as well.

7) What actions or communications are needed now?

• Communicate with IT and security teams to ensure all cybersecurity measures are up to date and effective.
• Inform stakeholders of the potential risks and the steps being taken to mitigate them.
• Engage with cybersecurity partners for additional threat intelligence and support in strengthening defenses against ransomware and other cyber threats.
• Review and possibly enhance business continuity and disaster recovery plans to address potential operational disruptions.